Administrator
Robert Troy Humphrey, 53
Died December 11, 2020.
Walnut Bend Independent School District, Gainesville, TX
Superintendent
Robert Troy Humphrey, a lifelong educator and administrator, passed away unexpectedly on December 11, 2020 at the age of 53 in his home in Gainesville, Texas.
Troy is survived by his wife, Sheila (Young) Humphrey; his children, Reese Taylor and Robert Tyler Humphrey; his brothers, Marcus and Ryan Humphrey; sisters-in-law, Nicki and Amy Humphrey along with several nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Earl and Jerry Sue Humphrey and his grandparents, Mary Jewel Bowers and Earl C. and Grace (Bressie) Humphrey.
Troy was born on September 2, 1967 to Robert “Bob” and Jerry Sue Humphrey in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He grew up in Bethany, Oklahoma where he graduated from Putnam City West High School in 1986. He received a bachelor’s degree in social science education from Southwestern Oklahoma State University and later received a master’s degree in educational leadership from Lamar University. He also earned a superintendent certification from West Texas A&M. Troy worked as a teacher, coach and school administrator his entire career. He started in Oklahoma and then moved to East Texas where he started teaching in the Linden/Kildare school district. He taught and coached in several districts throughout Texas and was most recently the principal/superintendent at Walnut Bend ISD outside of Gainesville, Texas.
Troy married his wonderful wife, Sheila (Young) Humphrey on September 7, 2002 and they went on to have 2 children, Reese Taylor and Robert Tyler. He was a devoted husband and father to all of them and enjoyed music, movies and most of all watching and attending sporting events with them. Troy had a love for history that was evident in every classroom he taught in and he passed that on to his students by making history come to life for them. He also was a dedicated coach of many sports during his career and always made his student athletes feel like a part of his family on and off the court. Troy will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.
A graveside service will be held at Bethany Cemetery in Bethany, Oklahoma on December 19 at 2:00pm for family members. There will be viewing/visitation at Mercer-Adams Funeral Home on December 18, 9am-9pm, with family present from 6:30pm-8:30pm. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to the Friends of Putnam City West Foundation (7209 NW 146 St. OKC, OK 73142) or to the Walnut Bend ISD Scholarship Fund.
Donnie Kirksey, 57
Died December 28, 2020.
Chicago Vocational Career Academy, Chicago, IL
Dean of Students, Basketball Coach
Donnie Kirksey was a lifelong Chicagoan who helped thousands of basketball players during his career as a coach. Kirksey, 57, died from complications of the COVID-19 virus, the morning of December 28. He was the head boys’ basketball coach at Chicago Vocational Career Academy at the time of his death.
Kirksey served as an assistant coach at DePaul, Chicago State University and University of Illinois-Chicago during his career.
“The UIC Athletic Department and men’s basketball program is saddened to learn about the passing of former men’s basketball assistant coach Donnie Kirksey,” began a statement from UIC Sports Information Director Dan Wallace. “A legendary figure in the Chicago basketball community, Donnie was a beloved member of the Flames Family during his years at UIC from 2010-14. Donnie played a vital role in the Flames reaching the postseason for the first time in nine years in 2013. On behalf of the entire UIC community, our thoughts and condolences go out to Donnie’s friends and family.”
Known as a jovial and fun guy off the court and a stern tactician while on the bench, Kirksey was revered by all in the community. He was often seen at his favorite restaurants on the South Side speaking to all those who knew him. A charismatic guy, Kirksey was the kind of person who made others feel good.
“Donnie brought smiles to the faces of people wherever he went,” said retired basketball coach Rick Harrigan. “He was just a fun guy who really loved and knew basketball.”
The year 2020 has been especially hard on the basketball coaching community in Chicago.
Kirksey’s death comes just two weeks after former UIC Head Coach Jimmy Collins passed away. Earlier this year, former legendary King High School Coach Sonny Cox passed away. This spring, Steve Hudson, who was a large figure on the travel basketball scene and who along with his wife helped hundreds of basketball players achieve college scholarships, passed away from COVID-19.
He played his high school ball at Chicago Vocational. He was excited when presented the opportunity to return to the school. Kirksey was known as a coach who could see any player, see his potential and make him better, said those who knew him.
Coach Kirksey also served as the head basketball coach and athletic director at Hyde Park Academy from 2007-10. He spent three and half years (2001-04) in Los Angeles where he worked for SFX Basketball Group, LLC. While there, he worked with several high-profile professional basketball clients, helping athletes transition into professional life.
Kirksey graduated from Roosevelt University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration – Management in 1985. He was a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. He and his wife lived in the Pill Hill community.
Choua Lee Yang, 53
Died October 9, 2020.
Prairie Seeds Academy, Brooklyn Park, MN
Principal
Yang, Choua Lee 53, passed away on Friday, October 9, 2020 with her family by her side in Minneapolis, MN. She endured over a month-long battle with COVID-19.
Choua was born on October 30, 1966 in San Luang, Laos. In 1978, she came to America and resided in Syracuse, NY. She married her husband Cha Ger Yang in 1985 and moved to MN in 1995 where she lived for the remainder of her life. Choua received numerous degrees up to her Master’s Degree at Saint Mary’s University in Educational Administration and K-12 Licensure. Choua discovered her passion for education when she began her teaching journey in 1996 as a bilingual Social Studies and Hmong Literacy teacher at Folwell Middle School.
In 2004, she became a Project Coordinator at Jenny Lind Elementary School. She moved on to become the Principal of St. Paul Family Learning Center in 2006. Choua returned to the Minneapolis Public School District as the Assistant Principal at North High School and then the ELL Director at the Minneapolis Schools Central Office.
One of Choua’s most valued accomplishments is when she founded and built Prairie Seeds Academy in 2004, a Hmong charter school in Brooklyn Park, MN. Choua, who was CEO, was a visionary and dedicated educator. Choua loved life. She was an extraordinary woman who saw the best in people. She was always able to lift others with her humor and high spirits. She faced challenges and obstacles with a smile and always trusted that everything happened for a reason.
To many, she was a light and a devoted friend. Her entire life was dedicated to serving others. For those that know her, know that she was selfless and had the kindest heart. She was so loved and will be missed by many.
Choua is survived by her husband, Cha Ger Yang; her children and their spouses, Crystal and Mong Vang, Jonathan and Teena Yang, Timothy and Betty Yang, Mychael and Foua Yang, and Amber and Kuh Chang; her grandchildren, Sean Yang, Alyssa Vang, Gavin Yang, Taylor Yang, Chloe Vang, Feyona Yang, Evelyn Yang, Ellie Vang, Roy Chang, Gwendalyn Yang, Chelsea Vang, Mychelle Yang, Miles Yang, and Parker Chang; her stepmother, Chao Thao Lee; her siblings and their spouses, Lymay and Chong Chou Ku, Matrix and Chente Lee, Alex and Jasmine Lee, Nhia and Patrick Clarke, Pahoua Lee, Mousa and Mao Lee, Shoua and Chong Lee, Mouda and See Lee; and many nieces and nephews. Choua is preceded in death by her parents, Pheng and Phomma Lee. kozlakradulovich.com “A Celebration of Life” 763-783-1100
Tim Gilbert, 60
Died December 8, 2020.
Marshall County Schools, AL
Transportation Supervisor
Mr. Timothy Don “Tim” Gilbert, age 60, of Geraldine, passed away Tuesday, December 8, 2020. Funeral services will be held at 12pm on Friday, December 11, 2020 from the graveside at Geraldine First Baptist Church Cemetery with burial to follow. Officiating will be Bro. Charles Bishop and Bro. Andy Brown. *Survivors* Wife: Melissa Farley Gilbert Daughter: Mallory Gilbert Sons: Justin (Ashley) Gilbert and Josh (Jacey) Gilbert Sister: Kay (Floyd) Wells Brothers: Barry (Elaine) Gilbert and Sammy (Brenda) Gilbert Grandchildren: Konnor Gilbert, Madden Gilbert, and Maklee Gilbert Niece: Nicole (Robson) Copenhaver Nephew: Chris (Jennifer) Gilbert **Mr. Gilbert was preceded in death by his parents: Coy & Willie Jo Gilbert; an infant grandchild** **In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Tim Gilbert Memorial Fund at Liberty Bank**
Keith Henry, 54
Died December 5, 2020.
Coalfield School, Coalfield, TN
Assistant Principal, Football Coach
Curtis Keith Henry, age 54, of Coalfield, Tennessee (formerly of Scott County, TN), passed away on Saturday, December 5, 2020. He was born on May 7, 1966 to Dolphus and Brenda Pemberton Henry. Keith was married to Pamela (Japp) Henry for 28 years. His children Chastin and Coalton were the light of his life and loved beyond measure. He was a member of Barton Chapel Congregational Church in Robbins, Tennessee but presently attended Mt. Carmel Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Coalfield.
Keith graduated from Oneida High School in 1984. He also graduated from Tennessee Technological University in December 1990 and began his teaching career at Oneida High School. Keith taught American History and had one of the first 21st Century classrooms at Oneida. He also served as the first School to Career Coordinator and was an Assistant Principal at Oneida High School. He began his coaching career at his alma mater in 1989 as a volunteer coach under his former high school coach and mentor Jim May. In 1991, Keith joined the staff full time and was blessed to help coach the State Championship Team in 1992. In 2005, Keith was fortunate to join Coach Gary Kreis’ Coalfield Yellow Jacket Football Staff. In 2008, Keith became head coach of the Coalfield Yellow Jackets. Keith served as Assistant Principal and Head football coach at Coalfield School. His coaching record during his tenure at Coalfield was 115 wins and 48 losses. The 2020 season was record-setting in Coalfield-undefeated season, most school wins in a season and a Semi-Finals appearance. He attributed all of the success through the years to having the best coaching staff in East Tennessee and the best players one could ever hope to coach.
One of Keith’s favorite quotes was from Coach Paul Bear Bryant, “There are a lot of lessons in football that are very difficult to teach in the home, in the church, or in the classroom. They’re easy to teach on the football field, and if the players don’t learn these lessons, then football is not very worthwhile. The lessons are simple: first of all, there’s work and sacrifice; you have to do a lot of that. Then there’s discipline. Then comes teamwork and cooperation. I’ve read a lot about successful men. They don’t do it alone. It always takes a team.”
Keith was preceded in death by his beloved father, Dolphus Henry and father-in-law William Japp.
Keith is survived by his wife of 28 years, Pamela Japp Henry. Daughter Chastin Kade Henry and son Coalton Kash Henry. Mother, Brenda Henry. Brother Jared and wife Christina. Special niece and nephew, Leeah Marie and AJ Henry. Mother-in-Law, Donna Japp of Jefferson City, TN. Sister-in-law, Jennifer Japp of Foley, Alabama. Special Family Members: Shawn Basler, Jason Wilson, James Bales, Shelley Burgess, Grey Dad, Howard Stinnett, Matt Murphy, David Treece, Kelly Norman, Rebecca Owens, Greg Addington, Brian Langley, All Present and Former Football Players and H2O squads. Several very special Aunts, Syble (Ervin) Stringfield, Velma (Dickie) Purser, Eunice Henry. Uncles, Ralph (Flora) Pemberton, Ledford Henry, Winford (Betty) Henry and many special cousins.
Whether it was winning a football game or having a great day at school, Coach loved to see people smile and be happy, so to honor that we will have a Celebration of Life in his honor. This Celebration will be held in the Coalfield High School Gymnasium on Saturday, December 12, 2020, from 10:00, am to 1:00 pm. There will be a brief service at 1:00 and internment at the Estes-Western Cemetery in Coalfield immediately following. If anyone would like to write down a special memory they have of Coach Henry there will be a place where you can leave your written remembrance for the family. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Coalfield High School Football PO Box 98 Coalfield, TN 37719
Jeremy LeJeune, 44
Died December 6, 2020.
Burnet Middle School, Austin, TX
Principal
Jeremy Scott LeJeune, 44, of Leander, Texas passed away Sunday, December 6, 2020 at St. David’s North Medical Center in Austin, Texas. Jeremy was born January 13, 1976 in Beaumont, Texas to Pat and Carlene LeJeune.
Jeremy was a devout Christian and was passionate about his family. He was a member of Great Hills Baptist Church and actively involved in their men’s ministry. Jeremy loved to hunt, fish and watch ESPN. Jeremy was a sports fanatic and an avid UT football fan. He was an educator for 20 plus years. Jeremy began his career as an athletic trainer; he served as assistant principal and principal for Pflugerville Independent School District. He was currently serving as principal for Burnet Consolidated Independent School District. Jeremy was President Elect for Texas Association of Secondary School Principals.
Those left behind to cherish his memory are his wife, Donna LeJeune of Leander, TX; children, Peyton, Bryce and Hayden; parents, Pat and Carlene LeJeune of Port Acres, TX; brother, Jason LeJeune and his wife, Stacie of Hampshire, TX; sister, Jennifer Cormier and her husband, Devin of Cypress, TX; and a host of nieces and nephews.
A gathering of friends and relatives will be held Friday, December 11, 2020 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., at Melancon’s Funeral Home, 1605 Ave H, Nederland, Texas 77627. Funeral service for Jeremy will be celebrated Saturday, December 12, 2020 at 2:00 p.m., at First Baptist Church; 1911 Nederland Ave, Nederland, TX 77627, with Dr. Jason Burden and Pastor Danny Forshee officiating.
Tom Russell, 61
December 8, 2020.
Flagler Palm Coast High School, Palm Coast, FL
Principal
Tom was born on September 18th, 1959 in Bethesda, Maryland to James and Marie (Rowan) Russell. He earned his History and English degree from Florida State University in 1984, and later his masters degree in education from Nova Southeastern. Tom was a teacher for four years before moving into administration. He served as an assistant Principal at Silver Sands Middle, and Deland High School. Tom would later become principal at Deltona Middle and then Pine Ridge High School. He became an area superintendent for Volusia County and later the superintendent for four years. Finally in 2019 Tom became principal at Flagler Palm Coast high School.
On December 18th, 1981, he married Julie Lynn Freeman. They raised two sons, James (Alex) and Jacob (Jake). Tom raised his family in Deltona Florida before moving to Deland.
Tom had a passion for learning. As a lifelong student he enjoyed reading, writing, and listening to Podcasts. Tom also enjoyed watching sports( Florida State and Tampa Bay Bucs), listening to music, gardening and taking walks. He was known for his quick wit, his compassionate spirit, and uncanny ability to communicate with others.
Tom was preceded in death by his father Jim. He is survived by his mother Jean, wife Julie, his two children Alex (Laura), and Jake, his grandchildren Olivia and Rowan, his brother and sister, and several cousins, nieces and nephews.
Tammy Cannon, 52
Died December 13, 2020.
Westward Elementary School, Colbert, OK
Principal
Tammy Russell Cannon, 52, of Mead, OK went home to be with our Lord on Dec. 13, 2020.
Tammy was born March 27, 1968, to Glen and Billie Russell. She attended Allen High School in Allen, Oklahoma. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Southeastern Oklahoma State University and a Master’s degree from East Central Oklahoma State University. Students in all levels of education in both Texas and Oklahoma were blessed by her award-winning career as an educator. Most recently she served as the principal of Westward Elementary in Colbert, Oklahoma.
Tammy loved to make new memories and have unique experiences. More than that she enjoyed sharing those experiences with family. She loved to camp, hike, and explore. Many a cousin can still recall adventures in which they were led by Tammy. She had an uncompromising love for family and friends, to which we should all strive.
She is survived by Todd Stringfellow of Mead; her sons Ben, Mason, and Jacob Whipkey of Norman; her father Glen and his wife Norma of Mead; and her sister Tracey and her husband Eric of Wylie, Texas.
She was welcomed to Eternal Glory by her Mother Billie.
The family has requested at this time the service not be open to the public. Covid took their precious Tammy and it is their hope that by doing this that no other family suffers the same unimaginable loss, as a result of their gathering to bid farewell, for now, to Tammy.
They will celebrate her life together with you at a safer, later date TBD and invite you all to come share your stories of how Tammy touched your lives.
The family wishes to thank all those who have reached out and offered support, love, and prayers.
Sandra Robinson, 63
Died November 16, 2020.
Beaumont Independent School District, Beaumont, TX
Transportation Supervisor
Obituary:
Sandra K. Robinson, 63, of Beaumont, Texas departed this life on Monday, November 16, 2020.
A visitation will be held Saturday, November 21, 2020 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon at Calvary Mortuary under the direction of Calvary Mortuary and Staff.
Sandra’s love and memories will remain in the hearts of her son, Clyde Robinson; daughter, Chandra Robinson; sister, Ella Jones (Darryl); six grandchildren; two great- grandchildren; a host of other relatives and friends.
George Butler, 73
Died December 14, 2020.
North Lake Elementary School, Tullahoma, TN
Principal
George Parker Butler, Principal at North Lake Elementary School and life-long resident of Cowan, died of complications of COVID on December 14, 2020 at the age of 73 at Southern Tennessee Regional Medical Center in Winchester. George was born on April 11, 1947 to the late Claude Butler and the late Pauline Novak. He graduated from Franklin County High School in 1967. He and his brother then went on to Trevecca Nazarene University where they graduated July 1971. They later received their Master’s Degree in Administration and Supervision from Tennessee State University in the spring of 1984. In 1990, he was recognized as a Career Ladder III teacher.
George was well known for his dedication to educating children and adults. He began his forty-nine year career in education teaching and later serving as Principal at Belvidere School 1971-1974. In August 1974, he began teaching fifth grade at Clark Memorial School until June 1991. During the 1991-1992 school year, George was appointed as the only Principal to serve at North Lake Elementary for twenty-nine years. He was currently serving at North Lake School at the time of his death. In addition to his role in the elementary schools, for many years he taught GED classes in the Adult Basic Education Program at night. During the summer from 1971-1991, George continued to help the youth of our community by working for the Motlow College JTPA Program. Honors included: Distinguished Classroom Teacher Award, Tennessee Teacher Award, recognized by Jaycees-Outstanding Young Men of America, Tennessee Gold Star Award, and Tennessee School Board Association for Exceptional Educational Programs.
Everyone that knew George well also knew of his love for the NASA Space Program. From the age of thirteen, he was very interested in the history of the Space Program and excited for the future of space exploration. George was recognized for his special interest in the NASA Space Program. Awards include: NASA Distinguished Service Award, Teacher in Space Project Award, U.S. Space Camp Service Award, and NASA Name the Orbiter Award.
Along with his parents, George is also preceded in death by his sister, Evelyn Lewis. George is survived by his former wife and mother of his children, Sharon Butler of Cowan; daughter, Lynde (Jimmy) Davis of Winchester; son, Rhett (Noelle) Butler of Galesburg, Illinois; twin brother, John (Sandra) Butler of Cowan; sister, Joyce (Pat) Parrelli of Suwanee, Georgia; half-sister, Regina (Scott) Robertson of Tullahoma; half-brothers, Jeff Butler of Winchester and Kenneth (Janice) Butler of Augusta, Georgia; grandchildren, Kaleb Davis of Winchester, Kaleigh Davis of Winchester, and Josiah Butler of Galesburg, Illinois; and many nieces and nephews, Greg Lewis, David Wilhoite, Djuana Long, Troy Vineyard, Leanda Newman, Eric Butler, Christy Sweeney, Leah Fly, Andrew Scott, Shelley Wells, Sean Butler, Sacha Curtis, and Sherman Hargrove. He also loved his church, Cowan First Church of the Nazarene. Public visitation will be from 1-6 pm on Thursday, December 17, 2020 at North Lake Elementary School. The family requests everyone please wear a face mask and follow proper social distancing procedures. Private Funeral Services for the family, North Lake Staff, Cowan Nazarene Church, and Board of Education will be held at North Lake School with burial at Franklin Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Cowan Church of the Nazarene, 221 Cumberland Street West, Cowan, TN 37318. Moore-Cortner Funeral Home, 300 First Ave NW, Winchester, TN 37398, (931)-967-2222, www.moorecortner.com.